1.21.25 City Commission Meeting
By Amber Starling, Staff Writer and Kaidy Smith, Editor
On January 21, 2025, the Manhattan City Commission convened for its first meeting under Mayor McCullough's leadership. Commissioner Adamchak attended virtually. Key actions included approving an amendment allowing Back 9 to scale down the Aggieville Midtown Phase 1 project to a $20 million Hampton Inn, shifting from the original $40 million mixed-use proposal. Public feedback was divided, with supporters praising the project's progress and critics voicing concerns about job quality, unmet deadlines, and the city's leniency toward developers. A contentious exchange occurred between Commissioner Adamchak and a public speaker regarding local redevelopment efforts.
General Agenda: Midtown Amendment
Outcome: The Manhattan City Commission unanimously approved (5-0) an amendment allowing developers Back 9 to move forward with a $20 million Hampton Inn project, replacing the original $40 million development proposed in 2022. (The Mercury). The Midtown Phase 1 project will now shift from a multi-purpose structure focused on office space to a 105-room hotel with a 100-stall parking garage. Completion is expected by Fall 2026.
Public Feedback:
Four individuals voiced support for the amendment:
Dennis Cook, representing the Aggieville Business Association, noted the board’s unanimous approval of the project, stating, “The sooner we get this done, the better off we are.”
A member of the design team from the Olsson engineering firm emphasized their “aggressive timeline” and ongoing efforts.
Gavin Schmidt of BHS Construction commended the revised $20 million project, describing it as “still incredible.”
Jason Smith of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce also expressed approval.
At least three citizens raised concerns about the amendment:
Amber Starling criticized the quality of jobs typically offered by hotels and argued that city policies contribute to Riley County’s poverty rate, which is double the national average.
Gwyn Riffle, with 50 years of real estate experience, stressed the importance of honoring the original agreement, noting how delays had negatively impacted small businesses in Aggieville. They suggested pausing the project entirely.
This led to a contentious exchange with Commissioner Adamchak, who questioned the speaker’s own accountability as the owner of a vacant lot at Bluemont and 12th Street. Adamchak accused the speaker of failing to bring plans forward, stating, “What are you asking us to respond to when you have a visible vacant lot? … Do I want to see a hotel there? I’m not sure, but he [the Back 9 developer] is bringing something forward, and where have you been for the last 6 months?” Commissioner Oppelt followed up by asking what incentives the speaker would need to consider redeveloping the lot, which the speaker indicated required further research.
Riffle responded to Adamchak that “his track record speaks for itself.”
Note: Riffle owns the lot at the corner of 11th & Bluemont where Kansas State Bank used to be, as well as the lot at the corner of 11th & Moro which is a public parking lot. Riffle owns several other buildings throughout Aggieville and Manhattan, including the Blue Earth Plaza.
Kaidy Smith criticized Commissioner Adamchak’s comments as “rude and out of line” and warned that the city’s willingness to compromise could set a precedent, signaling to other developers that Manhattan is an easy target for overpromising and underdelivering.
Additional Context on the Midtown Phase 1 Project
Timeline
2022: City commissioners put out a Request for Proposals and received 1 proposal. The commission approved Back 9’s final development plans for a five-story commercial development at the northwest corner of 12th and Laramie streets behind Kite’s Bar and Grill. The city sold the lot valued at $1.46 million to Back 9 for $1.00, expecting the development to open by 2025. (The Mercury, 20 Apr 2022)
2023: The project timeline shifted, with the developer stating the building would be completed by the end of 2024. A new rendering was created after the project’s primary investor backed out. (The Mercury, 22 Sep 2023)
2024: The new plan removed all office space from the project. Developer Vilkanskas noted, “Every incentive that was agreed to with the city is all performance-based.” (The Mercury, 11 Jul 2024)
2025: The Midtown Phase 1 project will now be a Hampton Inn. The developer has until July 2025 to pull permits, 30 days after that to begin construction, and until October 2026 to complete the project. Missing these deadlines would require the developer to pay the City $2.3 million. If the agreement is terminated, the City cannot reclaim the lot, which would likely remain vacant as Back 9 attempts to sell it to another developer.
Public Hearing: 827 Moro St. Housing Project
Outcome: The resolution was approved (4-1) to issue Industrial Revenue Bonds to Zachary and Michelle Burton, who plan to build a $900k townhome structure with seven, one-bedroom units. This project is intended to be affordable workforce housing. Commissioner Adamchak voted against the project without further comment on why.
Note: One of the developers is a registered sex offender. (The Mercury, 15 Nov 2016)